Gingerbread Scones

Ginger and molasses unite in this spicy breakfast bread. Ground ginger and crystallized ginger provide a double dose of the popular seasoning.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/3cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4teaspoon ground ginger

1/2teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon regular salt

1/2teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4teaspoon baking soda

1/4cup cold butter

1/2cup dried currants or raisins

1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2cup whipping cream

1/4cup mild-flavored molasses

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1/2teaspoon water

Coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, salt, cinnamon and baking soda. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in currants and crystallized ginger. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

In a small bowl, stir together the egg, whipping cream and molasses; add all at once to flour mixture. Using a fork, stir until ingredients are combined.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough for 10 to 12 strokes or until nearly smooth. Divide dough in half. Lightly pat or roll each dough portion to a 5- to 5-1/2-inch circle, 3/4-inch thick. Cut each circle into 6 wedges. Place wedges about 2 inches apart on a large ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine egg white and water. Brush tops of scones with egg white mixture and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if you like.

Bake in a 375 degree F oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until a wood toothpick inserted into a crack in top of scones comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 12 scones.

Make Ahead Tip

Cool scones completely and wrap in a single layer in foil; place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, remove from freezer bag. Place frozen, foil-wrapped scones in a 300 degree F oven and heat for 20 minutes or until warm (12 minutes, if thawed).